I agree with Hagertysmusic on this one. Even though he is a retailer, I don't think his opinions on here have indicated in any way that he wants to push the newest product to make money. It's all relative to ones ear, but here is what we have noticed while tracking the new CD, and what I noticed when I A/B'd my triple rec with one of the new Dual recs I have. The other DR has Tung Sol EL-34b's in it.
To me, the sound IS different between the older and newer models. It is subtle, but definitely there, especially when recorded.
I have an older 3 channel Triple Rec and two new Dual Recto Reborns, and we are currently recording a new full-length cd using the new Rectos into my new cabs. Blended they sound absolutely huge. To me, and the recording engineer (Jamie King, who has recorded all of BTBam's records, and a ton of other bands) the sound of the new Rectifier is tighter than the older ones, and it sounds more like the 2 channel Voodoo modded Racktifier that he has in his studio. Maybe it has to do with mic'ing one V30 and one C90, or the 6L6/EL-34 combo, or both, but they sound massive, even without re-amping. Using the Modern mode on ch 3 for rhythms, and vintage mode on ch 2 for leads, and they sound great. I can't wait to share the tunes with you guys. And the CLEANS :shock: A lot better than when we tracked with the Triple Rec's. I a/b'd my triple with the 6L6 dual rec, one head per cab (same cabs), and spent a good amount of time with both set up the same way, and turned up to our normal concert levels. Here are the results that I posted in another thread:
First up was the new Multi-Watt Dual Rec against my 2005 3-channel Triple Rec.
I ran each head through their own cab (same spec), both on Bold, Diodes, clean on ch1, Vintage mode (what I use) on ch 2 and ch 3. Both have new Mesa 6L6GC power tubes and new Mesa (JJ) 12ax7 preamp tubes.
The new head seems to cut through a little better, having more of a high end bite, that isn't annoying or brittle. On ch 1, the clean on the DR was a little more 'chimey', with a little more depth and clean punch. Ch 2 was similar on both, but, the gain was a little smoother on the DR, as was the presence control's sound. Ch 3 had a more noticeable difference. On the DR, it wasn't overly brash or terribly trebly, like the TR could become if the Presence knob was raised above 10:00. I think I will be using Ch 3 more on the new heads, I like the sound of it. I typically stayed on Ch 2 of the TR, because it is noticeably warmer than Ch 3. Both sounded good, although I do prefer the Multi-Watt over the older Triple, but, I would still be happy with the TR if I weren't able to get these. It is a great head and sounded good through the c90/v30 x patterned cab.
For a review of the 6L6 vs EL-34's, go here and scroll to the bottom
http://www.forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=50422
The serial loop is also nice as well, for those of you who use effects in the loop. But, you can mod the older ones to that, so it's not a sole reason to buy a new one, just an added perk.
-AJH